Nutella Donuts
If you’re a fan of chocolate hazelnut goodness and fluffy homemade pastries, then Nutella donuts might be your new obsession. From traditional fried versions to air-fried and baked alternatives, these Nutella-filled treats combine two irresistible elements: classic donuts and everyone’s favorite chocolate spread.
Whether you’re planning a special dessert for guests or experimenting in your kitchen, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every detail — including ingredients, variations, pro baking tips, and storage hacks.
🍫 What Are Nutella Donuts?
Nutella donuts are typically yeast-raised or cake-style donuts that are either filled or topped with Nutella, a creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread. The combination of soft, pillowy dough and the sweet, nutty filling makes them a popular choice for breakfasts, desserts, and festive treats.
Not only are these donuts trending across TikTok and food blogs, but they also offer an easy gateway into filled-donut recipes, even for beginners.
Want to know how Nutella became a worldwide phenomenon? Take a look at the history of Nutella to learn how this beloved spread evolved from a modest Italian creation to a global pantry staple.
🧁 Ingredients Breakdown
Creating Nutella donuts doesn’t require fancy ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chewiness)
- Instant yeast for fluffy rise
- Granulated sugar
- Warm milk and eggs
- Butter (or vegan butter alternatives)
- Nutella or any chocolate-hazelnut spread of your choice
Looking to fry your donuts the right way? Check out this guide on how to fry donuts perfectly to get that golden-brown crunch without soaking your donuts in oil.
🔥 Types of Nutella Donuts
There’s no one way to enjoy Nutella-stuffed donuts. Here are some delicious variations:
- Fried Nutella Donuts: Classic, crispy exterior with a gooey interior.
- Baked Nutella Donuts: A healthier version with a tender crumb.
- Nutella Bomb Donuts: Oversized, rich donuts filled to the brim.
- Tangzhong Donuts: Made with a Japanese technique for extra fluffy texture.
- Ponchiks: Eastern European-style donuts, deeply filled and super soft.
🍽️ Classic Fried Nutella Donuts Recipe
Here’s a tried-and-true recipe for homemade Nutella donuts that yields about 8 donuts.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup Nutella (for filling)
- Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)
Instructions:
- Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Combine with milk, egg, and butter until a dough forms.
- Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Proof dough for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Roll and cut into donut shapes or rounds.
- Proof again for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry 1–2 donuts at a time until golden brown.
- Cool slightly, then inject Nutella using a piping bag or syringe.
Pro Tip: Fill donuts while they’re still slightly warm, not hot — this prevents the filling from melting or leaking out.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Nutella Donuts
Making Nutella donuts at home is a rewarding experience, but even the most seasoned bakers can run into pitfalls. Here are some of the most common mistakes — and how to avoid them — to ensure your donuts turn out soft, fluffy, and delicious every time.
❌ Over or Underproofing the Dough
Proofing is crucial. If you underproof, the donuts will be dense and tough. If you overproof, they’ll collapse during frying or baking. Aim for the dough to double in size — no more, no less.
❌ Using the Wrong Oil Temperature
If your oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it’s too cool, the donuts will absorb oil and turn greasy. Keep the oil steady at 350°F (175°C) and fry in small batches.
❌ Overfilling with Nutella
It’s tempting to load up, but too much Nutella can lead to leaks during frying or messy, collapsed donuts. Use a piping bag and fill while the donuts are warm, not hot or cold.
❌ Inaccurate Measurements
Baking is a science. Using cups instead of a kitchen scale can lead to inconsistent results — especially for flour. Always measure accurately.
❌ Skipping the Rest Time
After frying, donuts need a few minutes to rest before filling. This prevents the Nutella from melting too quickly and seeping out.
Avoiding these mistakes will help you make bakery-worthy Nutella donuts at home — every single time!
🎨 Creative Nutella Donut Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic Nutella donut, it’s time to get creative! The beauty of these sweet treats lies in their versatility — you can customize everything from the dough and filling to toppings and shape. Here are some fun, crowd-pleasing variations to try at home:
🍩 Nutella Donut Holes
Perfect for parties or snacking, donut holes are bite-sized versions of the classic. Simply roll small balls of dough, fry them, and inject a tiny amount of Nutella inside. Roll in cinnamon sugar for a fun finish.
🍌 Nutella & Banana Donuts
Add a layer of mashed ripe banana into the filling or incorporate banana puree into the dough for a naturally sweet twist. Bananas pair perfectly with chocolate hazelnut spread and give your donuts extra moisture.
🍫 Nutella Oreo Explosion Donuts
Crush Oreo cookies and fold them into the dough or use them as a crunchy topping. You can even mix Oreo crumbs into the Nutella filling for double the indulgence.
🔥 Air-Fried Nutella Donuts
Looking for a lighter option? Air fryer donuts offer the same softness without deep-frying. Use refrigerated biscuit dough or homemade dough, air fry until golden, then fill with Nutella and dust with powdered sugar.
🍩 Nutella-Glazed Ring Donuts
Instead of filling, create a rich glaze by mixing Nutella with a splash of milk. Dip ring-shaped donuts in the glaze and top with chopped hazelnuts or sprinkles.
🎉 Holiday or Seasonal Twists
Add festive flair by coloring the glaze, using themed sprinkles, or stuffing the donuts with Nutella and peppermint or pumpkin spice blends during the holidays.
With these variations, you can reinvent the Nutella donut again and again — keeping it fun, fresh, and irresistibly delicious!
🎁 Serving Ideas & Presentation Tips
Presentation can make your donuts even more delightful. Here’s how to serve them:
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar
- Drizzle melted Nutella or chocolate glaze on top
- Add chopped hazelnuts or sprinkles for crunch
- Serve with:
- Coffee
- Hot cocoa
- Milkshakes
- Use cupcake liners or decorative trays for parties or brunches
⚖️ Nutritional Considerations
Let’s be honest — Nutella donuts are indulgent. But here’s a rough breakdown per medium-sized fried donut:
- Calories: ~320–380
- Fat: 14–20g
- Carbs: 40–50g
- Sugar: 15–25g
Want a healthier option?
- Use whole wheat flour
- Bake instead of fry
- Use reduced-sugar Nutella alternatives
- Try almond or oat milk for dairy-free versions
Craving something sweet and simple? These Quick Cherry Pie Bites are bite-sized treats bursting with fruity flavor.
🏆 Best Places to Buy Nutella Donuts (U.S.)
While homemade is best, some bakeries take it to the next level. Here are Yelp’s top-rated spots:
- Angelina Bakery (NYC): Known for fresh brioche-style Nutella donuts
- Dough (Brooklyn): Huge, fluffy donuts with decadent fillings
- Bear Donut (NYC): Korean-inspired, minimalist presentation with a Nutella twist
- Unregular Bakery (NY): Unique shapes, generous fillings
🤔 Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Which is Better?
Feature | Homemade | Store-Bought |
---|---|---|
Taste | Customizable & fresh | Consistent but may be mass-produced |
Cost | Budget-friendly per batch | $3–$6 per donut |
Control | Ingredient transparency | May contain preservatives |
Effort Required | High (kneading, proofing, etc.) | Low – ready to eat |
Verdict: If you’re after freshness and joy in baking, go homemade. For convenience, local bakeries shine.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Nutella donuts healthy?
Not particularly — they’re a dessert. But you can make them healthier by baking, using less sugar, or switching to reduced-fat fillings.
Can you bake Nutella donuts instead of frying?
Absolutely. Just reduce the fat content in your dough and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
How long do Nutella donuts last?
Best enjoyed within 24 hours. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Can you freeze Nutella-filled donuts?
Yes, freeze unfilled donuts and inject Nutella once thawed. Avoid freezing with filling, as texture changes.
What’s the best dough for filled donuts?
Brioche-style dough is ideal due to its soft, rich texture that complements creamy fillings.
Is there a vegan alternative to Nutella for donuts?
Yes, you can use vegan chocolate hazelnut spreads like Nutiva or make your own using cocoa, hazelnuts, and coconut oil.
🏁 Conclusion: Why You’ll Fall in Love with Nutella Donuts
Nutella donuts offer the perfect combination of indulgence, comfort, and creativity in one bite. Whether you prefer them baked, fried, or air-fried, their rich, creamy center and soft dough make them a standout dessert or breakfast treat. What makes them even more special is how customizable they are — you can play with shapes, fillings, toppings, and even dietary adjustments like vegan or gluten-free options.
From making your own at home to discovering them in bakeries, Nutella-filled donuts are a delicious way to elevate your baking game. Their visual appeal, especially when split open with gooey hazelnut spread oozing out, makes them social-media worthy and unforgettable.
With the right ingredients, helpful tips, and a dash of creativity, you can recreate bakery-level donuts from your own kitchen. Don’t forget to explore variations like banana-Nutella, Oreo-stuffed, or even a tangzhong method for extra fluffiness.
So go ahead — grab your dough hook, warm up the oil (or oven), and give in to the sweet magic of Nutella donuts. One batch and you’ll see why these treats have become a global favorite for foodies, families, and dessert lovers alike.